Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings is the epitome of comfort food. This dish combines tender, seasoned chicken with fluffy, pillowy dumplings in a rich, creamy broth that’s perfect for cozy nights at home. Whether you’re cooking for your family or serving a group of friends, this dish is sure to leave everyone satisfied and full of warmth. The flavors of the chicken and dumplings come together beautifully, and it’s a hearty meal that will instantly make you feel like you’re indulging in a home-cooked Southern classic.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and heartiness. The rich chicken broth, complemented by a touch of milk and cornstarch to thicken, creates a base that envelops the chicken and dumplings in creamy goodness. The dumplings, made with buttermilk and flour, cook to perfection in the simmering broth, becoming light, fluffy, and flavorful. This recipe brings a taste of the South to your kitchen, and it’s a meal that’s perfect for any season. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this Southern style dish, how to make it, and ways to customize it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Hearty and Comforting

This dish is incredibly comforting, with a rich, creamy broth that’s perfect for cozy nights and chilly days.

2. Easy to Make

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is easy enough for home cooks of any skill level to prepare and enjoy.

3. Perfectly Seasoned

The combination of garlic, onion, and chicken broth gives this dish a depth of flavor, while the buttermilk in the dumplings adds a subtle tangy note.

4. Family-Friendly

Chicken and dumplings is a dish that appeals to all ages. Kids and adults alike will love the creamy broth and fluffy dumplings.

5. Leftovers Taste Amazing

This dish keeps well in the fridge, and the flavors only get better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken and Broth

• Olive oil
• White onion (diced)
• Garlic (minced)
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Chicken broth
• Milk (whole or 2%)
• Cornstarch
• Water

For the Dumplings

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Shortening (cold)
• Buttermilk

Variations

Add Vegetables

For a heartier dish, add diced carrots, celery, and peas to the chicken and broth mixture. This adds both flavor and texture to the dish.

Make it Spicy

Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the broth for a spicy kick. This will give the dish an extra layer of heat.

Use Chicken Thighs

For a richer flavor, try using bone-in chicken thighs instead of breasts. The extra fat from the thighs will add depth to the broth.

Gluten-Free Dumplings

For a gluten-free option, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure that the baking powder is gluten-free as well.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the chicken breasts to the pot and season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Broth

In the same pot, add the chicken broth and milk. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for added flavor. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Dumpling Dough

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold shortening and mix with your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Pour in the buttermilk and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this will result in dense dumplings.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

While the broth is simmering, shred the cooked chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Add the shredded chicken back into the pot with the broth.

Step 5: Add the Dumplings

Once the broth is simmering, use a spoon to drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the pot. They should float on top of the broth. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook for 15-20 minutes, or until they have puffed up and are fully cooked through.

Step 6: Thicken the Broth

In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water. Stir this mixture into the simmering broth to thicken it slightly. Let it cook for another 5 minutes to ensure everything is well combined.

Step 7: Serve

Once the dumplings are fully cooked, ladle the chicken, broth, and dumplings into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overmix the Dumpling Dough: Overmixing can result in dense dumplings, so mix until just combined for the lightest texture.
• Use Cold Shortening: Cold shortening helps create tender dumplings. If you don’t have shortening, you can use butter, but shortening works best for light, fluffy dumplings.
• Simmer, Don’t Boil: Make sure to keep the broth at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, to avoid tough dumplings.
• Shred the Chicken: For the best texture, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces to allow it to mix well with the broth and dumplings.

How to Serve

Serve Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings with a side of cornbread or a simple salad to complete the meal. You can also top it with additional fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated cheese for extra flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, be sure to do so gently to avoid overcooking the dumplings.

Freezing

This dish freezes well without the dumplings. For freezing, cool the chicken and broth mixture completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, reheat the broth and add freshly made dumplings.

Reheating

To reheat, simmer the chicken and broth mixture in a pot over low heat, then cook fresh dumplings directly in the broth. If you’re reheating leftovers with dumplings, use low heat to avoid overcooking the dumplings.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs will work great in this recipe and add extra flavor.

2. Can I use half-and-half instead of milk?

Yes, half-and-half will give the broth an even creamier texture, but whole milk or 2% works just as well.

3. Can I make the dumplings in advance?

It’s best to make the dumplings fresh, as they can become dense if stored in the broth for too long.

4. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes, you can cook the chicken and broth in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours, then add the dumplings in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

5. Can I add vegetables to the chicken and broth?

Yes, vegetables like carrots, celery, and peas are great additions and will add extra flavor and texture to the dish.

6. How do I prevent the dumplings from being too dense?

Make sure to avoid overmixing the dumpling dough, and use cold shortening for the best texture.

7. Can I freeze the dumplings?

The dumplings are best fresh, but you can freeze the chicken and broth mixture separately and make fresh dumplings when you’re ready to serve.

8. How can I make the broth thicker?

If you want a thicker broth, use cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it, or you can add a little more flour to the dumpling mixture.

9. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can substitute the chicken with plant-based protein or vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.

10. Can I add cheese to the dumplings?

Yes, you can mix in a little grated cheese to the dumpling dough for a cheesy twist.

Conclusion

Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings is the perfect dish to bring comfort and warmth to any table. With tender chicken, creamy broth, and fluffy dumplings, this meal is rich, satisfying, and sure to please. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this recipe is simple, customizable, and full of Southern charm. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy this timeless comfort food!

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